Dhaka: At least 22,000 people have been detained since May 12 launch of a nationwide anti-narcotic drive, said Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal on Monday.

Speaking at a press meet at the Secretariate the minister also said that the drive will continue until the drug trade is brought under control, reports the UNB.

The press meet was arranged to announce the schedule of programmes marking the forthcoming International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Every year, June 26 is being observed as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking by the United Nations (UN) member countries. According to a resolution of UN General Assembly taken on December 1987, the day was fixed as an international day.

Replying to reporters’ querry on the number of deaths occurred during the ongoing anti-narcotic drive, Home Minister said ‘I cannot state the specific statistics of death in the moment but till now at least 22,000 were arrested.’

Drive is against drugs and not aimed at killing anyone, said Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal in reference to the deaths triggered by ‘gunfights’ during the anti-narcotic drive.

The Minister also added, ‘It’s normal for the law enforcers to fire to protect their own life from the weapons of the illegal drug traders’.

The ministry will organise various programmes, including rally, seminar, competition, awareness-building, all over the country to observe the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26, Kamal added.